"Youkali" is a song from Weill's opera "Marie Galante," reflecting his exile period in Paris. It merges European cabaret with Latin American rhythms, symbolizing cultural displacement.
Youkali was originally written as part of the incidental music for the play "Marie Galante" by Jacques Deval, reflecting Weill's exile period in France.
Youkali began as instrumental intermezzo from the forgotten opera "Marie Galante", later gaining popularity as standalone tango habanera with lyrics by Roger Fernay.
Composed for the play "Marie Galante", Youkali is a tango-habanera blending Kurt Weill's signature theatrical style with Latin rhythms. The title refers to a mythical island symbolizing escapism and desire.
